Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Longview, TX.

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A Local’s Guide to Plumbing Careers in Longview, Texas

If you’re a plumber looking for a place where your skills are in steady demand, a lower cost of living stretches your paycheck, and you can find a good life outside of work, Longview deserves your serious attention. As someone who knows the city’s rhythms—from the morning traffic on I-20 to the weekend bustle of the downtown farmers market—I can tell you this isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s a East Texas hub with a distinct character.

Longview is the commercial and industrial heartbeat of Gregg County, serving as a vital logistics center for the oil and gas industries. For a plumber, that translates to a consistent need for both residential service and commercial/industrial work. The city of 84,418 has a stable housing market, a lower-than-average cost of living, and a skilled trade workforce that is respected. Let’s break down what your career and life would look like here, using hard data and local insights.

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

When you’re weighing a move, the paycheck is the first thing you look at. For plumbers in Longview, the numbers are solid, especially when you factor in the local economy. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry reports, the median salary for a plumber in Longview is $61,145 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $29.40.

To put this in context, the national average for plumbers is $63,350/year. While Longview’s median is slightly below the national figure, the real value is in the purchasing power. With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4 (where the US average is 100), your dollar goes significantly further here than in many parts of the country. That $61,145 in Longview feels more like $75,000+ in a high-cost metro area.

The local market is steady. The BLS reports 168 jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the Longview metro area. There’s no boom-and-bust volatility like in some energy towns; the demand is tied to the constant need for maintenance, repair, and new construction in both residential and industrial sectors. Over the last decade, the region has seen a 10-year job growth of 6%, indicating a stable, expanding field rather than a stagnant one.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will climb with your experience and certifications. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Longview area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	Basic drain cleaning, assisting senior plumbers, learning code compliance.
Mid-Level (2-8 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Independent service calls, water heater installations, basic remodels, troubleshooting.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $80,000	Complex commercial installs, project lead for residential builds, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$80,000+ (or business profits)	Specialized gas line work, medical gas, business development, commercial bids.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Longview’s salary is competitive within the state, especially when you consider the cost of living.

City	Median Salary (Plumber)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Takeaway
Longview	$61,145	88.4	High purchasing power, stable market.
Houston	$65,500	96.5	Higher pay, but higher competition and costs.
Dallas	$64,200	102.0	More opportunities, but rent and traffic are major factors.
San Antonio	$58,000	89.7	Similar COL, but a larger, more crowded market.
Lubbock	$57,500	86.2	Lower pay, but even lower COL; more agricultural focus.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $61,145 salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Longview? We’ll assume you’re single, using standard tax deductions, and renting a typical one-bedroom apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $61,145

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,095	$61,145 / 12
Taxes (Federal + FICA + State Est.)	-$1,000	Approx. 20% effective rate for this bracket.
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,095	This is your starting point.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$930	The average 1BR rent in Longview is $930/month.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	-$250	Varies by season; summer AC adds cost.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$450	Essential in a car-centric city; no real public transit.
Groceries & Household	-$400	Moderate budget for one person.
Health Insurance	-$200	If not fully covered by employer.
Retirement Savings (10%)	-$500	Strongly recommended.
Discretionary Spending	$1,365	This is your "life" money for dining, fun, savings, etc.

The Bottom Line: With this budget, you’re not living paycheck to paycheck. You have a healthy cushion for savings, emergencies, and entertainment. The key is that low rent.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Longview is around $215,000 (as of 2023). With a $61,145 salary, a 20% down payment ($43,000) is a stretch but achievable over a few years of saving. However, with an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$7,500), homeownership is very attainable. A mortgage on a $215,000 home (with a small down payment) would be roughly $1,400-$1,600/month, including taxes and insurance. That’s only about $500 more than the average rent. For a plumber with steady work, buying a home is a realistic and financially smart goal within 3-5 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview’s economy is built on healthcare, education, and a robust industrial sector. This diversity is a big plus for plumbers—you’re not tied to one industry. Here are the key local employers who regularly hire or contract plumbers:

1. Christus Health Mother Frances Hospital & Longview Regional Medical Center: The healthcare sector is a massive employer. Hospitals require specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, sterile water lines, and 24/7 facility maintenance. These are often union jobs (Local 295) with excellent benefits and steady, non-seasonal work. Hiring is competitive but consistent.

2. Gregg County & City of Longview Municipal Services: Public sector jobs offer stability. The city’s water and wastewater departments need licensed plumbers and pipefitters for infrastructure maintenance and expansion. The pay is good, pensions are solid, and the work is directly tied to the community. Check the City of Longview’s HR page for postings.

3. oil and gas service companies (e.g., Patterson-UTI, Nabors Industries): While not directly upstream drilling, these companies and their subcontractors maintain extensive shop facilities, employee housing, and pipeline infrastructure around Longview. The work often involves high-pressure systems, gas lines, and industrial piping. Pay can be premium, but jobs may be project-based.

4. Gregg County Independent School District (GCISD) & Longview ISD: School districts have massive facilities—dozens of schools, gyms, and administrative buildings. They need in-house maintenance plumbers or contract with local firms. The work is predictable (school calendar) and offers great work-life balance.

5. Major Residential Builders (e.g., Highland Homes, Perry Homes, local custom builders): The Longview area has steady residential growth. Framers and electricians get the first call, but plumbers are on the shortlist for new home construction. Building relationships with 2-3 local builders can provide a pipeline of work, especially during the spring and summer building seasons.

6. Local Commercial Plumbing Firms (e.g., Shaffer’s Plumbing, H-Town Plumbing): Longview has several established, mid-sized plumbing companies that handle everything from restaurant remodels to small commercial jobs. Working for one of these firms is a great way to break into the local market, learn the codes, and build a reputation. They often hire directly and train apprentices.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable skills gap in the trades. Experienced plumbers, especially those with commercial/industrial experience, are highly sought after. Companies are increasingly willing to sponsor apprentices and offer sign-on bonuses for licensed journeyman plumbers. The trend is toward more service and maintenance work, as opposed to just new construction.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a structured licensing system managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It’s not overly complicated, but it’s non-negotiable.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed master plumber. This can be through a union program (UA Local 295) or a non-union employer-sponsored program.
2. Classroom Hours: You’ll need 288 classroom hours (72 hours per year) from an approved school or program. Local community colleges like Panola College (in nearby Carthage, but a common choice) or Kilgore College offer relevant courses.
3. Exams: Once your apprenticeship is complete, you’ll take two exams:
   • Journeyman Plumber Exam: $100 fee.
   • Practical Exam: $115 fee.
4. License Fees: Upon passing, the journeyman license fee is $50 (renewed every 2 years). The master plumber license (required to start your own business) is $250 (renewed every 2 years).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1-4: Work as a paid apprentice (earning $15-$22/hr typically).
• Year 4: Complete your required hours, pass your exams, and obtain your Journeyman license.
• Year 5+: To become a Master Plumber, you need an additional 12,000 hours of work experience (4 years) as a journeyman. So, a full licensed Master Plumber is typically an 8-year journey.

Insider Tip: Texas allows you to start your apprenticeship immediately upon high school graduation (or at 18). There’s no state income tax, which means your take-home pay is higher than in many other states, helping you manage apprenticeship wages.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and expenses. Longview is not a dense city; it’s a sprawl of distinct areas.

1. South Longview (Between I-20 and the Sabine River):

   • Vibe: Older, established neighborhoods with larger lots and more character. Close to downtown and the hospitals.
   • Commute: Easy access to all major employers. 10-15 minutes to anywhere.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR/2BR apartment or a small house.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want a quiet, established area without a long drive to work.

2. East Longview (Near the Longview Mall & I-20 East):

   • Vibe: Commercially dense, with newer apartment complexes and subdivisions. Very convenient for shopping and dining.
   • Commute: Prime location for service plumbers covering the eastern side of the metro. 10-minute commute to most places.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for modern 1BR apartments.
   • Best For: Those who prioritize convenience and access to amenities.

3. North Longview/Northridge Area:

   • Vibe: Family-oriented, with good school districts and newer housing developments. It’s quieter and more suburban.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown/industrial areas, but very easy access to I-20 for travel.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month for a 1BR/2BR in a newer complex.
   • Best For: Plumbers with families or those looking to buy a starter home. The neighborhoods are well-kept.

4. West Longview (Near the Loop 281 & Industrial Areas):

   • Vibe: More industrial and blue-collar. Closer to many manufacturing plants and the airport.
   • Commute: Excellent for industrial or commercial plumbers working in the western industrial corridor. Can be noisy.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000/month (often the most affordable).
   • Best For: Plumbers working industrial shifts or who want the lowest possible rent.

Neighborhood to Avoid for Commutes: White Oak and Gladewater (outside the loop). While they have charm, the daily commute on congested roads like Highway 80 or 31 can add 20-30 minutes each way, eating into your free time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Longview isn’t just about fixing leaks; it’s about building a future.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: Can add $3-$5/hour to your rate, especially for hospital work.
• Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for many commercial clients; can open up recurring annual inspection contracts.
• Gas Line Licensing: Texas requires a separate license for gas lines (Master Plumber can do it, but specific certification is key). This is high-demand, high-risk, and high-pay work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician to Service Manager: Move from the truck to the office, managing schedules and client accounts.
2. Journeyman to Commercial Foreman: Lead a crew on larger projects like school builds or hospital renovations.
3. Master Plumber to Business Owner: With 8 years of experience, you can start your own shop. Longview’s market isn’t oversaturated with small, quality-focused plumbing companies. Insider Tip: Many successful local plumbers started by doing side jobs for friends and slowly built a client base. The community is tight-knit; word-of-mouth is your best marketing.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is a solid indicator. The aging population in East Texas means more service calls. New construction, though slower than in Austin or Dallas, is steady. The push for energy-efficient water heaters (heat pumps, tankless) and smart home plumbing (leak detection systems) will create new service niches. The key to long-term growth here is specialization and reputation.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Longview is a fantastic choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s less about glitz and more about grit and community.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your $61,145 salary feels like much more.	Limited Cultural Scene: It’s not a major metropolitan arts hub.
Stable Job Market: 168 jobs and 6% growth mean steady demand.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is minimal.
Low Rent & Home Prices: $930 avg. rent makes saving easy.	Summers are Hot & Humid: East Texas heat is no joke; prepare for high AC bills.
Diverse Employers: Work in hospitals, schools, or industry.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant excitement, it might feel quiet.
Easy Commutes: 10-20 minutes to most jobs. No traffic nightmares.	Limited Higher Education: Fewer opportunities for advanced degrees locally.

Final Recommendation:
Longview is an excellent choice for early- to mid-career plumbers looking to build financial security. It’s ideal for those who want to buy a home, start a family, or launch their own business without the crushing costs of a big city. If you’re a specialist seeking the absolute highest pay or a vibrant nightlife, you might look elsewhere. But for a balanced, rewarding career where your trade is valued and your life is affordable, Longview is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: What’s the competition like for plumbing jobs in Longview?
A: The competition is moderate. There are enough jobs for licensed plumbers, but companies are selective. Having a clean record, good references, and a willingness to